Mechanical integrator



Feb 18 1941' J. A. VAN DEN AKKER 2,232,086

f MECHANICAL INTEGRATOR Filed may 2o, 193s 3 Sheets-Sheet l n QN @gaf/,wom OMC,

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Feb- 18, 1941- J. A. VAN DEN AKKER 2,232,086

MECHANICAL INTEGRATOR Filed Hay 20. 1938 3 Shoots-Sheet 2 Feb 18, 1941- J. A. VAN DEN AKKERV 2,232,086

IIECHANI CAL INTEGRATO!! Filed llay 20. 1938 3 Shoots-Sheet 3 jf n ,5 1a j, 7 l )fr Q' a 1 Patented Feb. 18, 1941 MECHANICAL INTEGEATOB Johannes A. Van den Akker, Appleton, Wil.. as-

signor to The Institute of Paper Chemistry picton, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application may zo, 193s. sensi Nazoaon' Claims.

liLv invention relates generally to mechanical integrating machines and has particular reference to machines for integrating integrals of the type fFlFzdr where F1 and Fn are any nite 5 functions of z.

I am aware that integrating machines have been developed which are capable of integrating integrals of this type. 'I'he object of the present invention, however. is to provide an improved machine of this type which shall be much simpler in construction, much more accurate, much easier to manufacture. calibrate, and keep in repair, and much less costly than the prior machines. Other objects of my invention are to provide vcertain improved mechanical movements and certain improved optical apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with integrating machines or other apparatus requiring similar types of movement, and especially suitable for use in conjunction with the particular integrating machine of my invention. These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be made more apparent by reference to the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in connection with the drawings illustrating the features of this embodiment. In the drawings- Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a mechanical integrating machine embodying the features of my invention;

Figure 2is a sectional view on the general line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view illustrating one of the mechanical features of the integrating machine of myinvention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the general line 4 4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a sectional view on the general Iline 5--5 of Figure l:

Figure 6 is a sectional view on the general line lof Figure 1;

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the features of one of the optical pointers used in conjunction with the integrating machine illustrated in the other gures of the drawings;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view which will be used in explaining the operation of the integrating machine of my invention; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating certain of the mechanical movements and other apparatus constituting a part of the integrating machine of my invention.

It is contemplated that the integrating machine of the present invention shall be used in connection with plots or charts of the curves of the functions which it is desired to integrate, and

the apparatus includes, therefore, a flat table il for supporting these curve charts in a horizontal plane in such manner that they may be moved with rectilinear motion in that plane. The machine also includes an integrating mechanism I3 of the conventional single wheel type which is" adapted to be actuated by a circular plate or disc Il the rotative movement of which is proportional to the rectilinear movement of the support table Ii for the curve charts. As will be pointed out hereinafter, this rotative movement of the disc I5 which actuates the drive wheel I1 of the integrating mechanism I3 is accomplished by a direct mechanical connection between the disc II and the table support Il, which connection in the disclosed embodiment of the invention includes a flexible steel tape I8 trained over a suitable guide pulley 20.

The principal operating member of the apparatus comprises a beam 2| pivotally supported intermediate its ends for movement about a vertical axis B extending perpendicular to the lon` gitudinal axis of the beam. The beam 2l is mechanically connected to the integrating mechanism I3 .by means which includes a slider mem- -ber 23 supported so as to be movable longitudinally along the beam 2|. Y

Movement `of the slider 23 is controlled by a follower arm 25 which is moved longitudinally to follow/ one of the, curves being integrated as the chart of that curveis traversed from one extreme position to the other during the integrating operation. In other words, a mechanical means is provided so that the point of action of the slidable member 23 (the point A of Figures 1 and 8) is maintained at a distance from the axis of rotation B of the beam 2| equal to the ordinate of the left hand curve (a' Figure 8) at all times duringthe operation of the machine.,

The. right hand end of the Ibeam 2| is mechanically connected to a second follower rod 21 which is likewise longitudinally movable in"y order that it may follow the right -hand curve chart during the integrating operation, thereby causing the distance CN of Figure 8 to be equal at all times to the ordinate b' of the right hand curve and thel distance MA to be proportional at all times to the ordinate Yb of the right hand curve.

The various mechanical arrangements whereby the point A is maintained in the desired relationship relative to the axis of rotation B of the beam 2| and whereby the rotative movement of the end of the beam is caused to take place proportionally to the ordinate of the right hand curve, and the means whereby movement of the beam 2I and the sliding member 23 are transmitted to the integrating mechanism I3 constitute important features of the invention. Likewise, the table support II for the curve charts and the means of transmitting rectilinear movement of this support to the integrating disc I5 are important parts of the invention.

Considering the details of the machine: The table II preferably comprises a flat metallic plate and is supported for rectilinear movement in a horizontal plane by means of two guides 29 (Figure 5) aflixed to the bottom thereof and arranged to cooperate with similar guides 3| ailxed to the stationary bed plate or frame 53 upon which the entire integrating machine is mounted. 'Ihe right hand pair of these guides, as illustrated in Figure 5, is provided with V- shaped notches within which are positioned ball bearings 35. To prevent wedging of the table II during movement, only one of the other pair of guide members is provided with a V-shaped notch, and the cooperating guide surface is flat, as is also illustrated in Figure 5.

'Ihe flexible metallic tape I9 used for connecting the table II to the drive disc I5 for the wheel I1 of the integrating mechanism I5 is preferably of steel or bronze. 'Ihe tape I9 after passing over the guide pulley 20 engages a takeup pulley 31 (Figure 4) to which the end of the tape I9 is fastened. The pulley 31 is journaled upon a suitable horizontal shaft 29 the ends of which shaft are supported on the side members of a box-shaped frame 4I. A gear wheel 43 is keyed to the take-up pulley 31 and engages a second gear 45 which is keyed to a second horizontal shaft 4I, likewise suported on the boxframe 4I.

The disc I5 is supported upon the box-frame 4I for movement about a vertical axis by means of a vertical shaft 49 and two bearings 5I and 53, one of which is preferably of the thrust type. A worm gear 55 is provided on the vertical shaft 49 for engaging a third gear 51 which is keyed to the second horizontal shaft 41. The horizontal shafts 39 and 41 are preferably so arranged that the gears 43 and 45 extending intermediate the take-up pulley 31 for the tape I5 and the worm drive 55 for the integrating disc I5 may be removed and replaced with other gears so as to vary the ratio between longitudinal movement of the tape and rotative movement of the integrating disc. This arrangement whereby the ratio between longitudinal movement of the tape and rotative movement of the integrating disc may be varied is an important feature of the invention. In many integrating devices the integrating wheel slides nearly as far as it rotates, and this condition is not conducive to good precision. If the ratio is variable, however, the reduction ratio maybe selected, 'which is such that the integrating wheel will roll much farther than it slides, that is, the motion of the integrating wheel relative to the disc I5 can be made equal to a small angle with the tangent even for steep curves, with accompanying increase in accuracy.

The integrating disc I5 may be of metal, Bakelite, or similar non-warping material. It is accurately machined at on its upper surface and is supported upon, and keyed to, the vertical shaft 49 in such manner that its upper surface shall lie in a plane exactly perpendicular to the axis of rotation of its vertical supporting shaft 45. To prevent wearing of this surface a replaceable disc of rag paper, animal parchment or the like may be applied thereto.

During the operation of the integrating machine, the disc I5 constitutes the main driving element for the automatically controlled moving parts of the integrating machine. The disc I5 is preferably rotated at a predetermined uniform speed by means such as a reversible. adjustable speed motor 55 which in the structure illustrated in the drawings is connected to the disc I5 by a belt 5I adapted to engage a groove 53 provided in the edge of the disc, although it is not necessary that the speed of rotation of the disc I5 be accurately uniform. Rotative movement of the disc is transmitted to the takeup pulley 31 for the tape I9 by the gears 55, 51, 45, and 43, and thereby produces rectilinear movement of the curve support table II at a rate directly proportional to the rate of rotation of the disc. A suitable spiral spring mechanism 54 serves to maintain the tape I9 under tension at all times and thereby acts to take up all slack in the mechanical connection between the disc I5 and the table II.

'I'he follower rods 25 and 21 are cylindrical and are supported for rectilinear movement along their longitudinal axes by means of suitable sleeve bearings 55, which bearings in turn are supported upon the bed plate 35 of the machine by m'eans which includes angularly adjustable brackets 51. Each of the rods 25 and 21 is provided at its outer end with an optical pointer mechanism 55 illustrated particularly in Figure 7. This mechanism includes an opaque tube 'I3 about one inch or so in diameter having a source of light, such as the miniature lamp 15, located at the upper endthereof. An opaque diaphragm having a small circular aperture 11 formed therein is positioned adjacent this source of light, and a lens 19 located at the lower end of the tube 15 forms with this aperture a small circular spot of light 5I (Figure 7) approximately .05 to .15 inch in diameter which is adapted to be directed upon the upper surface of one of the curve charts supported on the table II. I have found that with this arrangement it is a very simple matter for the operators of the instrument to move both follower rods as the curve charts are traversed from one extreme position to the other so as to keep each spot of light centrally on the curve which it is desired to follow, extrem )ly small deviations from center being very clearly noticeable. Further, the device is free from parallax error; it eliminates the eye strain occasioned by the following of a curve with a material pointer of the usual type; and unlike a metal pointer will not run afoul of the curves, in the event that the paper on which they are plotted should buckle.

Longitudinal movement of the right hand follower rod 21 is accomplished by means of a hand wheel mechanism 53, a sprocket chain 55, and a toothed wheel or other chain support 51. The hand wheel mechanism 53 and the toothed wheel 51 are supported upon the main frame 33 by suitable U-shaped brackets 55 which are amxed to the bed plate 33. The chain 55 is mechanically connected to the follower rod 21 by a pin 55 which engages a block member rigidly aiiixed to the follower rod.

As will hereinafter appear. the left hand follower rod 25 of the apparatus shown in the drawl to. intermediate www 101km a the intcgratingoperation by sumotor driven 0,111.11' mechanism!! includes atakefuppulley y92 whichlsadaptedto rema n biased ln the direction er the bese mieli kof,tile-curves supported uponthe table il and is ceive a ilexibletape orwire. ll.' the free end of g1 launched neegodslsupported by ebleck und to lme follower maize; une `meter" .m of `tllemechanism. 24 is preferably of .the replate u by. asuitablebracketill similarlyto the hand drive lneehanisrn forthe other follower fredii.

To prevent rotative movement the followerrods 26 and 21 during the operation ofy the apparatus, each of,t theblockst and L `which toconnectthe'respective drive means'to 4 the follower rods is provided with a downwardly extendlngpm m lwanted ,te sudamy engage the sides o: two stl-melius" el metal 'rlgldly'emxed te the bedplete's; enne se es @denne ancesbtwe'en `the opposedsurfaces of these strip i|l1 arekept as small as possible, aslisconsistent tion ofthe yfollower rods about their longitudinal ,lrlen'lbel's |091 and the downwardly ,extendingv pins with thev smooth operation of the follower rods, and the relatively long leverage given by thenguide pinslillserves to positively eliminate any rotaaxes 'during the integratingy operation.v f n.

While the right hand follower rod 211s hand driven and the left hand follower rodA is motor driven. it will be understood that both maybe hand operated or both may be motorjdri'ven, or

the driving arrangements may be interchanged. In the embodiment ofv my invention I have motorized the left hand follower rod 25 merely for the reason that', in the most typical application to which I have put my invention, the curves representing the function F1 'are quite steep and it is possible to follow these curves more accurately with la. motorized rod than with a hand-driven rod. It

is 'necessary merely that some means be available whereby'the follower members maybe moved to follow' they curves being integrated.

The beam 2| which constitutes the primary actuating member in the mechanism for moving the integrating mechanism I2 relative to the disc I5 during the integrating operation is illustrated particularly in Figures 1, 2, and 9. As shown in those figures, the beam 2| includes a rigid, channel shaped steel bar lil supported for rotative movement about a vertical axis loca-ted intermediate its ends by means of a cylindrical thrust bearing H5. A roller is supported upon the right hand end of the beam 2'I in auch manner that the `axis thereof is perpendicular to the plane of rotation of that member. 'I'he roller ||1 is adapted to t within a slot ||9 formed between a pair of spaced guide members |20 rigidly ailixed to the block member 90 which in turn is rigidly aillxed to the rig-ht hand follower rod 21. The

. support for this roller I|1 is preferably arranged so as to permit slight adjustment ofthe position of the roller lengthwise of the beam 2| to facilitate thecalibrating of the machine. The guides |20 and the roller |1y constitute the means used for producing rotation of the beam 2| and hence movement of the integrating apparatus I3 in respouse to movement ofthe right hand follower rod 21 during the integrating operation.

, mechanism.

*f* 'A cylindrical rod |2| is supported at the other endo! beam2| bymeansof apair of uprigbts [Il lolooited that thelQitiidmI ,A lu will lle ln a plane .cclneldentywlcnitbeaxisef rotatin(ofthe. andl axis of the roller |11.- .'1`hmr0di l!! rves as afmlidide.

support :er 'the' 'luder n The (slider-unproermelm Tillich; serves as .the supporti and operaties maar, nefineeretm Proven The 'slider 16d' I 2 ls-euvwtedfr lensitudinal movement yby, Vtwo bearings similarly lto thefollower rodsland 211.-. ,.,'Io rpreventrota tion of the slider, during they operation of the machine, apair-of strapf members lli are bolted Theslider 221s caused vto v'moveirlfrlnifr'lorlseto y l y l. n y n movement of theleft hand follower rod'f25 through a slot therebetween. i The clearthe" agencyfoff a 'metallic tapefi, preferablyof v steel,v havingy a co'eilloient of` thermal L,expansion Sm'rt '23 e Overleiillvgl en .the beam 2| andffrom'there overa second pulley r|55 siiDPOrtedon, the adjacentthe I axis 0f ,filiation ,ihefrwfin 'web marmer., the

rtape supporting surface .of the pulley |55 isatball i times tangentstothejaxis .offrotation of the beam l 2|; The tape |43 nextpasses'over a thirdpulley |51 supperted anime/bed p1ete'-nfedjeeenzjtne 1 vbearing supporti Ilforthebeam ,2|, The tape supporting surfl'lcefofl thev pulley |51 is likewise tangential to the .axis of rotation of the` beam 2|.

'From the pulley 51,thetape passesto a fourth pulley |59 supportelpnebraeket m attached te the bedplete k:la ,eminence to the bleek, ven

where it is rlglidlyattachedand through which block 'it is connectedto .the follower rod 25. v "Ihe spring pulley |21 thus acts through the tapel |49 to bias the followeljrednlk ln the dlrectien ef the The spring mechanism |31 maintaiililstllleltllpey |49 under tensionjatllail, timesuand thereby not only automaticallytakes vup all vslack inthis portion of the apparatuabut assures that the ,'slider 23 shall be moved in exact response tomovement of the follower rod 25.`, By virtue of theposition` fThe integrator mechanism i3 is sup'p'ol'tedbyv a rectangularly shaped y frame |63L one end of which is rigidly amxed to the'slider rod |29, which rod, as described previously, is supported for rectilinear axial movemen't'similarly to the follower rods 25 and 21 byapairbfbearngs 65. The slider rod |29-,Y'like the follower rods 25 `and2`|. is provided witha downwardly extending pin |65 adapted to slide vbetween a pair'of atguide members m bolted tothebed plate v373 of themechf anism, this pin |55 serving to prevent rotation of the rod about its axis.

The integrating mechanism I3, as stated above, is preferably of the standard single wheel type and' includes generally a rectangularly shaped frame I5! pivotaliy supported at one end upon the main frame |53. The integrator wheel I 1 has a smooth surfaced, relatively narrow edge for contacting the surface of the disc Il and is moved along a diameter of the disc I5 during the operation of the machine. The integrator wheel I1 is supported upon the U frame |53 by a rotatable shaft |1I extending parallel to the axis of the slider rod |28 and at right angles to the axis of the support for the frame |58. The shaft I1| is provided with a worm |12 which engages a gear |15 keyed to a vertical shaft which carries the main counter wheel |11. A secondary coimter wheel |19 for measuring fractions of a revolution is supported on the shaft |1I, and indicia for cooperating with the fractional or secondary counter wheel and for the main counter wheel are provided.

The slider member 23 is provided with an upwardly extending pin |8| which is adapted to be connected to a similar pin |83 rigidly attached to the frame |63 of the integrating mechanism I3 by a spiral spring normally under substantial tension. This spring |85 constitutes an important part of the present invention for the reason that it simultaneously eliminates any play between the slider 23, the beam 2|, and the integrating mechanism I3. This arrangement, in combination with the spring mechanisms |31 and 68 which respectively eliminate play in tli.: mechanical connection between the follower rod 25 and the slider 23 and in the mechanical connection between the table II and the integrating disc I5, results in almost complete elimination of any error due to looseness of the parts during the operation of the machine. 'I'he only connection in the entire device which does not include a spring means for taking up play is the slidable connection between the beam 2| and the follower rod 21, and due to the very slight forces and large leverage which are encountered at this point it is possible to make the clearances sufficiently small -that any error due to looseness of that connection will be negligible.

The operation of the machine of my invention is carried out in the following manner: Plots or charts of the functions which it is desired to'integrate are mounted on the table II in such manner that the base line of .the curves coincides with the zero axis 9| of the machine which is permanently` marked on the table. The charts are drawn to the same scale and corresponding portions thereof are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the follower rods 25 and 21. The table is then moved to the extreme right hand position, i. e. opposite to the position shown in Figure 1.

When the table is in this position and one or the other of the follower rods 25 and 21 is moved downwardly by operation of the hand wheel mechanism 83 or the motor mechanism 34 so that the corresponding spot of light 8| produced by the optical pointer mechanisms 59 coincides with thezero or base line 9| of the two curves, the

' integrator wheel I1 should contact the exact center of the disc I5. This arrangement provides a convenient vmeans for checking the accuracy of the location of the curves.

During the actual integrating operations the aaaaoeo motor 58 which drives the dise Il is operated so as to traverse the table Il from the right hand position thereof to the left hand position thereof. During this movement the spots of light II produced by the optical pointer mechanisms I8 are caused to follow the curves plotted on the two curve charts by operation of the hand wheel 88 and the motor mechanism N. Most satisfactory results can be obtained by two operators, one of whom operates the motor driven actuating meehanism for one of the follower rods, while the other operates the hand actuating mechanism of the other follower rod. 'I'he particular machine illustrated in the drawings, is provided with one motor driven follower rod and one hand operated follower rod. It will be evident that this arrangement may be changed, 'as desired. Two hand operated mechanisms or two motor operated mechanisms of the type illustrated, may be used or the drivers illustrated may be interchanged to meet special requirements. Tests show that an operator of average intelligence can-become sufficiently skilled to obtain extremely accurate results after only a very small amount of experience with the machine. Comparative integrations of known functions have been carried out in actual tests within accuracy limits of approximately onetenth of one per cent which, of course, is sutilciently accurate for all ordinary mathematical computations of this character.

The theoretical correctness of the machine of my invention may be readily established by reference to Figure 8 which illustrates diagrammatically the several elements of the machine and the spatial relationship of those elements. In this figure, B represents the axis of rotation of the beam 2|; A represents the point of action of the mechanical connection between the slider 23 and the slider rod |23, which rod moves the integrating mechanism I3 rectilinearly along a diameter |83 of Ithe disc I5; N represents the point of action of the mechanical connection between the beam 2| and the right hand follower rod 21; the line 9| represents the base line of the curve supporting table |I and is, of course, parallel to the direction of rectilinear motion of the table; when both follower rods are positioned so that the spots of light 8| produced by the optical pointers 69 mounted at the ends of the follower rods coincide with this line 3|, the wheel I1 of the integrating mechanism I3 will contact the disc I5 at the exact center thereof; the line |85 is parallel to the line 9| and passes through the point B, the center of rotation of the beam 2|; the lines AM and NC are perpendicular to the lines 9| and |85. The arrangement whereby motion of the left hand follower rod 25 is transmitted to the slider 23 so that the distance BA is at all times equal to the distance a has been omitted from Figure 8 in the interests of simplification.

The left hand curve F1 represents a plot of any function of :c between the limits x=a and x=b; a is any intermediate ordinate. The right hand curve Fi represents a plot of any other function of o: between the same limits and to the same scale; b' is any intermediate ordinate. The base lines of the two curves Fi and F: coincide with the base line 9| of the machine. The left hand edges of the two curves are parallel and are separated a distance exactly equal to the distance separating the optical pointers 58 attached to the follower rods 25 and 21. This arrangement asouttheintesratlnso Asstatedpreviouslmthetypeofproblemwhich themachineisdesignedtoaolveistheevaluation oftheintesral Y fam:

This means that the machine must determine the areaundertheproductcurveofhhbetweenthe limits :|.'=a and` :c=b.

The first step in the mechanical integration of the above integral is the multiplication of the functions F1 and F1, although in the actual operation of the machine multiplication and integration take place simultaneously. 'This multiplication is accomplished by the beam 2| and the particular mechanical connediinnl between the beam. the follower rods 2l and 21. and the slider rod |29 which moves the integrating mechanism I3. As may be ascertained by reference to Figure 8 and the foregoing description of that figure, the distanceCNisatalltimeaequaltnb' which,in the interest of simplicity of exposition, we shall take numerically equal to h Likewise, the distanceBAisatalltimesequaltoa'orF1,and the distance MA is at all times equal to the distance R. from the center of the disc Il to the point of MA=(B1-N)r,r,

Then since MA=R and BN=L, y L being an adjustable constant of the machine where R is the effective radius of the disc Il operating to rotate the in wheel I1 at any 'particular instant during the traversing of the table I I from one side to the other.

Due to direct mechanical coupling between the disc Il andthe table Il, when the table is moved rectilinearly a distance d: the disc is rotated through an angle d=kdx where k is a constant of the machine. And the integrating wheel I1 ofradiusrwillberotatedthmughanangle Hence during a complete integrating operation the angle 0 (in radians) turned by the integratingwheelilwillequal k z-i but l .l R-L'Flpg PFM-Le' f 'and l1 memtemung wheel n turns through n revolutions, since one Arevolution=21r radians,

fama-$31 wherein L, r, and k are constants ofthe machine. The value of n is read from the counter wheels |11 and |19, and the result of the integration is thereby obtained.

For simplicity of exposition the foregoing theory was carried out for unity scale factors, that is, the quantities F1 and Frwere taken numerically equal to the corresponding distances on the charts. In general it is more sui-table to write :|:=m:c', Fi=na' and Fz=pb, where :c' is actual linear distance corresponding to the abscissa x, m is the number of units of a.' represented by the distance x' and n and p are likewise scale factors relating respectively the ordinate F1 with a and the ordinateFz with b'. Taking these scale factors into consideration, it is easily seen that the result of the integration performed by the machine is In a specialized routine use of the machine of my invention, the quantities L, r, m, n, p and k may be assigned such numerical values that n or a simple multiple or fraction thereof will be the numerical value of the result of the integration.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the integrating machine of my invention constitutes a simple, foolproof mechanism for e'ecting the integration of integrals of the general typefFiFzdz where F1 and F1 are any ilnite functions of 1:. The most important novelty `of the invention is believed -to reside in the various mechanical arrangements which cooperate to produce the desired result. In this connection it should be noted that while I have disclosed a flexible metallic .tape as constituting a part of certain of these connections, a fiexiblewire or cable or similar arrangement can probably be used with good success, and when the term "tape" is used herein it is intended to include such wires, cables, or other arrangements.

While the apparatus disclosed is designed primarily for accomplishing the integration of in. tegral's of the above type where F1 and Fn have only positive values, it will beimmediately apparent to anyone skilled in the art that the machine may be used for carrying out integrations wherein one or both of the functions F1 and F2 mayhave negative values. To do this, it is mere- 1y necessary to further lengthen the support for the slider 23 a suillcient amount to permit the slider 23 to be moved to either side of they axis of rotation B of the beam 2| and to similarly proportion the mechanical connection between the slider 23 and the slider rod |29. When working with integrals of functions having negative values, the integrating wheel I1 may, of course, be carried to the other side of the center point of the disc I5 during the integrating operation. These changes are so obvious and so minor that it is thought that an illustration of them would merely complicate the disclosure and in no way add to the completeness of the description of the invention.

It will likewise be evident to those skilled in the art that various mechanical arrangements may be worked out for effecting the means which have been disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is my intention that the accompanying claims shall be accorded the broadest reasonable construction consistent with the language appearing therein and the Prior art.

I claim the following as my invention:

1. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; a chart table arranged for rectilinear movement; a rotatable disc: means mechanically connecting said disc to said table whereby movement of said dise produces corresponding movement of said table; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel arranged to slide on said disc along a predetermined path; means for controlling the movement of said integrating wheel on said disc, said last mentioned means including a rotatable beam, a member supported on said beam so as to be movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of independently movable follower members each of which is provided with a pointer mechanism for facilitating the following of the outline of curves plotted upon charts supported upon said table, means mechanically connecting one of said follower members to said beam whereby movement of said follower member causes rotation of said beam. and means mechanically connecting the other of said follower members to the member supported on said beam whereby movement of that follower member causes movement of said member supported on said beam.

2. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; a table for supporting and carrying charts of the curves to be integrated; means supporting said table for rectilinear movement; a fiat surfaced, rotatable disc; means mechanically connecting said disc to said table whereby movement of said disk produces corresponding movement of said table; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel for slidably engaging the flat surface of said disc; support means for said integrating mechanism comprising a slidable member arranged so that said single integrating wheel contacts said disc along a diameter thereof; and means for controlling the movement of said slidable member including a beam supported for rotation about a central axis extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said beam, a slider supported on said beam so as' to be movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of follower members supported for rectilinear movement independently of each other, means mechanically connecting one of said follower members to said beam whereby movement of said follower member causes rotation of said beam, and means mechanically connecting the other of said follower members to said slider supported on said beam whereby movement of that follower member causes corresponding movement of said member supported on said beam.

3. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; a chart table arranged for rectilinear movement; a rotatable disc; means mechanically connecting said disc to said chart table whereby movement of said disk produces corresponding movement of said table; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel arranged to slide onv said disc; support means for said integrating mechanism including a longitudinally movable rod member; means for controlling the movement of said integrating wheel including a rotatable beam, a member supported on said beam so as to be movable longitudinally thereof, a mechanical connection between said last mentioned member and said longitudinally movable rod member, a pair of follower rods supported so as to be longitudinally movable independently of each other, a pointer mechanism for facilitating the following of the outline of the curves plotted upon charts supported upon said table amxed to one end of each of said follower rods, means mechanically connecting one of said follower rods to said beam whereby movement of said follower rod causes rotation of said beam, means mechanically connecting the other of said follower rods to the member movably supported on said beam whereby movement of that follower rod causes movement of said member supported on said beam, and means for preventing axial rotation of said support rod and said follower rods during the operation of said apparatus.

4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the means for preventing axial rotation of said support rod and said follower rods comprises, individually, an elongated guide member rigidly attached to one of said rods so as to extend generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, and means for defining a guide slot within which the outer end of said guide member is arranged to move.

5. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described, a fiat topped table for supporting and carrying charts of the curves to be integrated, means supporting said table for rectilinear movement between two extreme positions. a disc supported for rotation about the central axis thereof, a mechanical connection of adjustable ratio intermediate said table and said disc whereby movement of said disc causes movement of said table, and means including a spring which biases said table to one of said extreme positions for eliminating any play in said connection.

6. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described, a chart table supported for rectilinear movement between two extreme positions, a disc supported for rotation about the central axis thereof, a mechanical connection intermediate said disc and said table member including interchangeable gears and a flexible tape or wire whereby movement of said disc causes movement of said table, and spring means which biases said ltable to one of said extreme positions for eliminating play in said connection.

7. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; a chart table arranged for rectilinear movement; a rotatable disc; a mechanical connection of adjustable ratio operatively interconnecting said table and said disc; spring means for eliminating any play in said mechanical connection of adjustable ratio; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel arranged to slide on said disc along a predetermined path; means for controlling the movement of said integrating wheel on said disc, said last mentioned means including a rotatable beam, a member supported on said beam so as to be movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of independently movable follower members each of which is provided with a pointer mechanism for facilitating the following of the outline of curves plotted upon charts supported upon said table, means mechanically connecting one of said follower members to said beam whereby movement of said follower member causes rotation of said beam, and means mechanically connecting the other of said follower members to the member supported on said beam whereby movement of that follower member causes movement of said member supported on said beam.

8. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; -a table for supporting and carrying charts oi' the curves to be integrated; means supporting said table for rectilinear movement between two extreme positions; a flat surfaced, rotatable disc; a mechanical connection operatively interconnecting said table and said disc including interchangeable gears and a flexible tape or wire whereby movement of said disc causes movement of said table; spring means which biases said table toward one of said extreme positions for eliminating play in said mechanical connection; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel for slidably engaging the flat surface of said disc; support means for said integrating mechanism comprising a slidabie member arranged so that said single integrating wheel contacts said disc alonga diameter thereof; and means for controlling the movement of said slidabie member including a beam supported for rotation about a central axis extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said beam, a slider supported on said beam so as to be movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of follower members supported for rectilinear movement independently of each other, means mechanically connecting one of said follower members to said beam whereby movement of said follower member causes rotation of said beam, and means mechanically connecting the other of said follower members to the member supported on said beam whereby movement of that follower member causes corresponding movement of said member supported on said beam.

9. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; a chart table arranged for rectilinear movement; a rotatable disc; means mechanically connecting said disc to said table whereby movement of said disc produces corresponding movement of said table; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel arranged to slide on said disc along a predetermined path; means for controlling the movement of said integrating wheel on said disc, said last mentioned means including a rotatable beam, a member supported on said beam so as to be movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of independently movable follower members each of which is provided with a pointer mechanism for facilitating the following of the outline of curves plotted upon charts supported upon said table, means mechanically connecting one of said follower members to said beam whereby movement of this follower member causes rotation of said beam, and means mechanically connecting the second of said follower members to said member longitudinally movable on said beam whereby said movable member will be moved in response to movement of said second follower member regardless of the position of said beam during the operation of said machine; said last mentioned mechanical connecting means including la flexible tape and guide meanstherefor, said flexible tape being mechanically connected at one end to said second follower member and at the other end to said movable beam-supported member and having a twistable portion located so as to coincide with the axis of rotation of said beam.

10. In a mechanical integrating machine of the class described; a table for supporting and carrying charts of the curves to be integrated; means supporting said table for rectilinear movement; a flat surfaced, rotatable disc; means mechanically connecting said disc to said table whereby movement of said disc produces corresponding movement of said table; an integrating mechanism having a single integrating wheel for slidably engaging the flat surface of said disc: support means for said integrating mechanism comprising a slidabie member arranged so that said single integrating wheel contacts said disc along a diameter thereof; and means for controlling the movement of said slidabie member including a beam supported for rotation about a central axis extending at right angles to the 1ongitudinal axis of said beam, a slider supported on said beam so as to be movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of follower members supported for rectilinear movement independently of each other, means mechanically connnecting one of said follower members to said beam whereby movement of said follower member causes rotation of said beam, and means connecting the second of said follower members to said slider whereby said slider will be moved in response to movement of said second follower regardless ofthe position of said beam during the operation of said machine; said last mentioned mechanical connecting means including a flexible tape and guide pulleys, said flexible tape being mechanically connected at one end to said second follower member and at the other end lto said slider member, and smd guide pulleys being so arranged that a portion of said tape is located so as to coincide with the axis of rotation of said beam.

JOHANNES A. VAN DEN AKKER. 

